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HOUSTON — In Texas, we all know to go big or go home — and Dick's Sporting Goods is definitely going big for the grand opening of its first stores in the Houston area. The retailer kicked off the weekend with an appearance Friday from country music royalty, singer Carrie Underwood!

Dick's said Underwood was only one of 40 special appearances that will take place at selection locations during the three-day celebration this weekend. Those who attended the event were also able to learn about Under's sports clothing and fitness accessories line, CALIA, which is available at Dick's Sporting Goods stores.

As part of its Grand Opening celebrations, Dick's Sporting Goods and The Dick's Sporting Goods Foundation will also be highlighting their Sports Matter initiative. Since 2014, The Dick's Sporting Goods Foundation has pledged over $50 million to support teams and raise awareness of the importance of youth sports.

Teams and organizations in need of funding can visit SportsMatter.org to learn more about applying for support. To date, more than 60 leagues and teams across the Houston area have been helped by the community efforts of Dick's Sporting Goods through sponsorship and donations.

During Grand Opening weekend, local youth athletes and their coaches are invited to enjoy the Adidas Youth Sports VIP Zone. Throughout the grand opening weekend, youth athletes and their Coaches can enjoy music, refreshments, games and a sports video lounge at all six, new Dick'S Sporting Goods locations.

Additional elements, including a Project Harden Virtual Reality Experience from Adidas Basketball will be available at our Katy, Baybrook, Deerbrook and Sugar Land locations, and celebrity athlete appearances will be available at select locations.

To continue the excitement, Dick's Sporting Goods will be flying a branded blimp over many local sporting events, including youth and high school games throughout the month of October.

Kids in the Houston area will also have the opportunity to experience the Gatorade Skills Challenge at the new Dick's locations at Baybrook Mall and Willowbrook Mall. This interactive set-up will allow kids to test their skills and sample Gatorade product.

As part of the grand opening weekend excitement, Field & Stream will be celebrating the opening of its new store in Katy with a family-friendly, overnight camping experience right by the new store at The Shoppes at Parkwest Saturday.

The community is invited to sign-up to be part of Field & Stream Camp 1871 which will include a catered cookout, special events, a celebrity guest appearance and traditional campground activities. Campsite spaces are limited and reservations will be accommodated on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, or to reserve a campsite, visit Camp1871.com.